Excellent read

I have wanted to work on writing a blog entry, article, or book about the topics that Sr Iman covers in this book. I ordered this book as a bibliography source. By the time I finished reading, I realized I certainly didn't have any need to write what I wanted, it had already been done! And beautifully so, masha Allah! A Well Guarded Treasure is well written and a quick read, I finished reading it in an afternoon. The only part I didn't fully agree with is when she encouraged to cover the eyes saying eyes can mislead men. She is right, alhamdulillah, but we have to be careful to not sound like we are making a requirement out of something the Quran does not. 'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze [from looking at forbidden things] and protect their private parts [from illegal sexual acts, etc.] and not to show off their adornments except only that which is apparent [like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head cover, apron, etc.], and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna [i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.] and not to reveal their adornment...' 33:59 I also wouldn't call this an autobiography as she does not go into detail chronologically about her life. The topic of the book is not her life story and does not mention it other than what relates to the topic. The topic of the book, instead, is the importance of purity in the Muslim women, her relationship to her Rabb and husband, and the true necessity of proper hijab and adhab for women. It is an excellent read, masha Allah. I especially appreciated that she added a chapter specifically about how complete hijab increases our love and closeness with our husbands, deepening the marriage bond and intimacy. Often we think of hijab as being something that only relates to our out-of-the-home experience. Sr Iman makes it clear that hijab out-of-the-home also changes and blesses, insha Allah, our deep marriage relationship and love with our husbands. Sr Iman makes a clear and definitive argument for the adherence of the complete hijab [including niqab], with strong evidence through Quran and Sunnah. She shares some of her own experiences which adds a personal and connective touch to the book. Well recommended for any home or masjid library.

I bought this for a teenage girl who was trying to understand her role in society as a Muslim girl and this book, based on someone's personal experience, helped her to learn more about herself.